The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tripura convened a high-profile core committee meeting at its Pradesh office in Agartala to strategize for the upcoming electoral battles, including the Dharmanagar Assembly by-election and the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) polls.

The Dharmanagar seat fell vacant following the passing of Assembly Speaker Biswabandhu Sen in February, making it a key constituency to retain for the BJP ahead of the state’s political calendar.

The meeting saw the participation of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, BJP state president and MP Rajib Bhattacharya, former MPs Rebati Tripura and Pratima Bhoumik, Ministers Ratan Lal Nath and Pranajit Singha Roy, party in-charge Dr. Rajdeep Roy, and state general secretaries Bipin Debbarma and Bhagaban Das.

Addressing the media after the meeting, CM Saha underlined the party’s proactive approach in finalizing candidates and strengthening its position in alliance with regional partners. “We discussed probable candidates for the Dharmanagar by-election and strategized for the District Council polls. Many names have emerged, which we will forward to the Centre. The final call will be taken by our central leadership,” he said.

On the matter of alliances, CM Saha reaffirmed the BJP’s partnership with regional players Tipra Motha and IPFT. “Our alliance partners are clear. While the exact seat-sharing will be decided later, we have identified 28 seats for contest, and the central leadership will take the final call. Tipra Motha and IPFT remain our key allies,” he added.

Political analysts note that the Dharmanagar by-election and the TTAADC polls are seen as a litmus test for the BJP’s electoral strength in tribal and urban constituencies, with strategic alliances expected to play a pivotal role.

The Election Commission is yet to announce poll dates, but the BJP appears to be moving swiftly to consolidate its candidate roster and preempt challenges from opposition parties.